About This Publication
A guide for Local Authorities, Primary Care Trusts and their partners
Learning can make a great difference to the quality of life for older people, both in the “third age” of healthy active life, and in “fourth age” of greater dependency . At a time when Government is keen to find ways of delivering “more for less” it can also lead to major savings in public expenditure or health and care services. A very wide range of agencies are involved, including Local Authorities and Primary Care Trusts, and a host of public, private and third sector organisations, but these are rarely coordinated in any way.
As a result, the range and nature of learning opportunities available in any area is the product, not of any coherent analysis of what older people would like, or might need, but of historical accident. Some needs are not met, and some opportunities are delivered in ways which make them inaccessible to those who might benefit.
Whether the organisation has “education” as its main purpose, or seeks to provide some other service which involves learning by clients, users or staff, this NIACE guide aims to help all providers of learning to review what is available, and to identify gaps and opportunities for collaboration and development. It will particularly important for Local Authorities, as they develop their policies on age, and take on new responsibilities as Lead Accountable Bodies for informal adult learning.
Learning can make a great difference to the quality of life for older people, both in the “third age” of healthy active life, and in “fourth age” of greater dependency . At a time when Government is keen to find ways of delivering “more for less” it can also lead to major savings in public expenditure or health and care services. A very wide range of agencies are involved, including Local Authorities and Primary Care Trusts, and a host of public, private and third sector organisations, but these are rarely coordinated in any way.
As a result, the range and nature of learning opportunities available in any area is the product, not of any coherent analysis of what older people would like, or might need, but of historical accident. Some needs are not met, and some opportunities are delivered in ways which make them inaccessible to those who might benefit.
Whether the organisation has “education” as its main purpose, or seeks to provide some other service which involves learning by clients, users or staff, this NIACE guide aims to help all providers of learning to review what is available, and to identify gaps and opportunities for collaboration and development. It will particularly important for Local Authorities, as they develop their policies on age, and take on new responsibilities as Lead Accountable Bodies for informal adult learning.